The Bound Between Us

Chapter 228
Anastasia once had high hopes for her marriage. She’d even planned to have two kids with Herman, a boy, and a girl, and they’d
live the perfect family life. On weekdays, the kids would be at school, and they’d be at work. Then on weekends, they’d go for
family outings, and would take walks in the park after dinner.
Anastasia liked this peaceful life, and she’d leave the kids’ education to Herman because she was worried her temper would
affect their relationship. She wanted their son to learn Taekwondo, and their daughter to learn dance and painting. Anastasia had
planned their family life up until the kids went to college. But now, all these dreams were shattered because she was diagnosed
as infertile, and an incident five years ago broke everything.
“Anastasia, you can tell me anything that bothers you.” Herman’s voice pulled Anastasia back from her thoughts.
She forced a smile and said, “Indeed, there are some things. I just haven’t figured out how to tell you. Can you give me some
more time?” Her response was also to prepare Herman mentally, while also giving herself some time.
Herman had a hunch about what Anastasia wanted to say. For some things, she needed to deal with and get over by herself.
“Okay,” Herman said with a smile. “I’ll wait for you, but I hope you can let go of some negative thoughts because I’m ready to
spend the rest of my life with you.” His words subtly suggested that she could have other thoughts, but divorce or breakup was
totally out of the question.
Hearing this, Anastasia almost lost control of her emotions and almost burst into tears. She quickly lowered her head, not
wanting Herman to see the tears in the corners of her eyes.
To respect her feelings and dignity, Herman deliberately turned his gaze elsewhere. Anastasia took the opportunity to wipe away
the tears when Herman turned around.
After dinner, they didn’t drive home because it wasn’t far. Herman held her hand as they walked home together.
Along the way, they chatted casually. When they passed the sixth building, Anastasia subconsciously looked up. “I wonder if
Pattie has gone to bed.”
The lights in room 802 were off. It was past nine in the evening, so Pattie should have been asleep already. Every time she
thought of Pattie, Anastasia would think of the daughter she had never met. If her daughter was with her, she would be about
Pattie’s age now.

Herman said, “If you miss Pattie, you can go see her at school tomorrow.”
Anastasia asked, “Does Pattie go to school by herself every day?”
“Yes.”
Herman had anticipated that Penny wouldn’t pick up and drop off Pattie every day. That’s why he chose a kindergarten so close.
It was just across the street from the gate of their community.
Pattie was grown up enough to cross the street by herself. After school, the teacher would accompany Pattie across the street
and watch her enter the community before they could rest assured and go back.
Anastasia asked, “Do you think Pattie is adopted?”
Penny and Leo both insist that Pattie was their biological child.
“According to my investigation, Pattie was actually adopted by them,” Herman said. “Pattie was adopted from Rainbow Haven
two years ago. Pattie’s biological parents tragically died in a car accident. No one could take care of Pattie, so she was sent to
an orphanage. Later, she was adopted by the infertile Leo couple, and not long after adopting Pattie, Leo and Penny had a child
of their own.”
“If Pattie’s biological parents were still alive, they would be heartbroken to see the bruises on Pattie.” Every time Anastasia
thought of the bruises on Pattie, she felt really upset.
If the Leo and Penny didn’t have their own child, maybe Pattie’s quality of life would be better. After having their own child, how
could they still treat Pattie fairly?
“It’s getting late, let’s go home and rest.” Herman held Anastasia’s hand, and they walked towards their home together.
As they left, in room 802, Pattie, who was sleeping on the floor by the door, was awakened by the cold. She curled up into a ball,
looked out into the black night, and felt scared.